Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 180g LP

Rachmaninov’s piano works, and in particular his Second Piano Concerto, have
fired the enthusiasm of music lovers throughout the world. Following the success
of his first visit to Britian in 1899, Rachmaninov was invited by the
Philharmonic Society to return and play his First Piano Concerto, which he had
composed eight years earlier as a student at the Moscow Conservatorie. He
replied that he would prefer to write a better one that would be worthier of
London's attention. The immense popularity which this second Piano Concerto has
enjoyed for more than half a century testifies to his success.

Dedicated to the psychologist Dr. Nikolai Dahl who had cured the composer of
depression, the Second Piano Concerto was given its premiere in Moscow on 10
November 1901 with Rachmaninov himself at the piano and has proved itself to be
one of the most successful of its genre among Russian piano repertory. The
introduction itself with its powerful sequence of chords rivets the audience’s
attention and makes each and every listener eager to hear what is yet to come.

Katchen’s interpretation is particularly impressive for its austere and powerful
introduction, but the lyrical passages too – superabundant in this work – are
filled with a delightful, dreamy lightness. Tchaikovsky‘s influence, a Russian
soulfulness, and a certain melancholic yearning in the opulent melodies – all
are brilliantly portrayed by the pianist. And he finds an ideal partner in the
London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Georg Solti. Solti proves yet again
that he is a master of phrasing and interwoven part-writing; resolutely, with
elegance and sharply pointed rhythm, he leads the soloist and orchestra to a
brilliant finish.